Abrolhos Islands and the Coral Coast

Arrive at Fremantle’s Victoria Quay, berth C for boarding at 8:00am, with time to settle into your stateroom before our 9:00am departure. Settle into your stateroom before our 5:00 m departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard. As dusk falls join guests and the friendly crew as we enjoy the Captain’s welcome drinks and sit down to the first of many delicious dinners.

Meals:  D

Today we will explore Jurien Bay Marine Park, where we will have the opportunity to explore its limestone reef. This region is known as a foraging area for seabirds, Australia sea-lions and white sharks.

Meals:  B,L,D

At the Pelsaert (Southern) group we will have the opportunity to visit Liddon Pearl Farm and crayfishing operations on Post Office Island. Here we learn what is involved with growing the pearls, learning the different shells and pearl categories, and how the different types of pearls are set. We will also have insights into the renowned cray fishing industry of the island, from the family who has been in the Abrolhos for four generations. Later take the opportunity to snorkel the blue holes from the jetty.

Meals:  B,L,D

At the Easter Group we will have the opportunity to visit the sea lion colony at Little Sandy Island, home to the largest colony of sea lions in the Abrolhos. The Australian sea lions love to swim and play with snorkelers and divers here. Later, snorkel the vibrant coral reefs at locations such as Squid Hole, the Anemone Lump or Morley Island. Activities will be subject to weather and tides as this area is known to be very tidal and windy.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we visit the Wallabi group, where we will enjoy a snorkel off the picturesque beach. Stroll along the water’s edge and keep a look out for tamar wallabies, skinks and the endemic Abrolhos dwarf bearded dragons. Cruise past the Pidgeon Islands, the wealthiest of the crayfishing islands. Birdwatch for ospreys, white-bellied sea eagles and caspian terns amongst other birdlife. Conditions permitting, visit Beacon Island, also known as the Island of Angry Ghosts, where 126 men, women and children were massacred by the blood thirsty mutineers of the Batavia over 400 years ago. Home to fantastic bird life, as well as the Batavia Memorial cairn, the coral pits are still evident from where Jeronimus Cornelisz (the mutiny ring leader) was held prior to his trial and execution. Today we will enjoy the chance to snorkel off picturesque Turtle Bay, and take a short walk along the beach where you may see tamar wallabies, skinks, and the endemic Abrolhos dwarf bearded dragons. Cruise past the Pidgeon Islands, the wealthiest of the crayfishing islands. Birdwatch for ospreys, white-bellied sea eagles and caspian terns amongst other birdlife. Conditions permitting, visit Beacon Island, also known as the Island of Angry Ghosts, where 126 men, women and children were massacred by the blood thirsty mutineers of this area over 400 years ago. Home to fantastic bird life, as well as the Batavia Memorial cairn and the coral pits are still evident from where Jeronimus Cornelisz (the mutiny ring leader) was held prior to his trial and execution.

Meals:  B,L,D

Explore the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, the first location in Western Australia to receive UNESCO World Heritage status in 1991. This is a region of colourful landscapes, rare flora and fauna, and home to a staggering 35% of all of Australia’s bird species. Explore Francois Peron National Park, named after the naturalist on explorer Nicholas Baudin’s expeditions. If conditions permit, Explore Wanamalu Trail at Cape Peron – a 3km return walk which takes in views of the spectacular colours and wildlife of Cape Peron Cruise past historic Cape Inscription, the site of Dirk Hartog’s landing in 1616, and time permitting enjoy a refreshing swim off the sandy remote beach.

Meals:  B,L,D

One of the longest and most pristine fringing reefs in the world, Ningaloo Reef has an unusually narrow continental shelf. The deep oceanic waters, reef and coastline communities are close in proximity, resulting in a huge array of significant and healthy marine life coexisting in one area. The Ningaloo Coast is also one of the most important turtle nesting rookeries in the Indian Ocean, with a significant maritime history from explorers, traders, pearl luggers, whaling and fishing. Join the Cape Range National Park tour, which includes visits to Turquoise Bay and Yardie Creek. Alternatively enjoy a guided snorkelling tour with a local operator, offering a chance to discover the vibrant marine life of Ningaloo Reef from the water.

Meals:  B,L,D

The Muiron Islands are located approximately 10 nautical miles off the North West Cape. The Islands are well known for their incredible reef, colourful soft corals, an abundance of turtles, schools of fish and even sightings of manta rays! A variety of dive sites are on offer at this destination, including swim-throughs and ledges where nudibranchs, eels and angelfish hide. With fantastic bommies and protected reef, snorkellers will appreciate the variety of soft corals and gorgonians as well the incredible fish life. Birdlife is abundant onshore – see if you can spot wedge-tail shearwaters, roseate terns, osprey, and black-shouldered kites (just to name a few).iant manta rays, and the majestic whale shark. It is also a coastline with a fascinating heritage, where lonely whalers battled it out against the elements. After in-water activities, stretch your legs with a stroll down the beach on these untouched islands.

Meals:  B,L,D

The Montebello Islands or ‘Montes’ are an archipelago of more than 250 limestone islands and islets off the coast of the Pilbara. Much to the delight of the birdwatchers among us, the islands are considered an Important Bird Area, as they support over 1% of the world’s population of fairy and roseate terns, as well as sooty oystercatchers. The Montes have an ‘explosive’ past. Alpha and Trimouille Islands were the sites of three British atomic weapons tests in the 1950s. Relics of the military operation can still be found on the islands today. We will visit the plinth which marks Ground Zero at Trimouille Island, now a haven for wildlife, including the rufous hare wallaby. A fascinating maritime history surrounds Montebello Islands. Survivors of the British East India ship “Tryall” swam here after their ship was wrecked in 1622, therefore being the first Europeans to land on the islands. We will spend a full day exploring this island group, including wildlife spotting opportunities and beautiful beach walks. Keep watch for the rare rufous hare wallaby and lagoon rays while exploring amazing vistas.

Meals:  B,L,D

Consisting of 42 islands and islets, 25 of which are nature reserves, the iron-red islands of the Dampier Archipelago stand in bright contrast to the turquoise waters which surround them. The archipelago not only offers exceptional natural beauty but significant sites for Aboriginal and European Heritage, many of which are in National Heritage Listed Areas. Named after English explorer William Dampier who first visited the islands aboard the Cygnet in 1699, the islands’ earliest inhabitants were the Yaburara people, as is evidenced by the thousands of rock engravings, shell middens and stone arrangements scattered across the area. There will be ample opportunity to explore the area’s historical and cultural sites with the guidance of the Murujuga Rangers before taking to the azure waters for swimming and kayaking. Birdwatchers will have the opportunity to see several species of migratory waders as well as sea eagles and ospreys. With luck, we may even see the elusive Rothschild’s rock wallaby. Please note: viewing of Aboriginal petroglyphs is subject to approval and guidance by traditional owners of the area, and cannot be guaranteed.

Meals:  B,L,D

Arrive in Broome this morning for an 8:00am disembarkation. A post-cruise transfer to Broome CBD or Airport is included. If you’re not transferring directly to the airport why not spend the day visiting world-famous Cable Beach or stroll the historic streets of Chinatown in central Broome.

Meals:  B